Shi Prevails in Thriller Against Naraoka
With his semifinal prospects fast receding, Shi Yu Qi needed something special in his final Group A match at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023.
· DEV SUKUMAR
And produce something special he did, as the world No.7, fading from the contest at 13-17 in the second game, lifted himself against the equally tenacious Kodai Naraoka, feeding off the crowd’s energy to win in three and pitch himself to the top of the group.
Meanwhile, Viktor Axelsen, also needing a win to secure his spot, had to fight from behind against Anthony Sinisuka Ginting. Having lost the opening game the Dane stormed back losing just seven points in the second game, and maintained his momentum to take second place in the group with his 16-21 21-7 21-13 victory.
In Group B, Anders Antonsen didn’t leave anything to chance with a 21-16 21-11 result over Kunlavut Vitidsarn, helping him top the group after Li Shi Feng had beaten Jonatan Christie in the last group encounter. Christie, though, qualified for the semifinals in second place on points difference over Li Shi Feng.